Cleaning the tongue – a dummies guide

Here’s exactly how to clean your tongue, with expert input from Dirna Grobbelaar, our Oral Hygiene Advisor.

For fresh breath and a healthy mouth, dental professionals recommend cleaning your tongue daily as part of an effective oral hygiene routine. It’s quick, easy, and can make a big difference to your oral health.

How to Clean Your Tongue in 7 Simple Steps

1. Choose the right tool
   Ideally, use a tool designed specifically for tongue cleaning, like the soft and gentle Sunstar GUM Tongue Cleaner. If you don’t have one, you can use your toothbrush or even a metal teaspoon turned upside down.
2. Clean your tongue at least once a day
   Do it when you brush your teeth, especially if you smoke or experience post-nasal drip, both of which can contribute to bad breath.
3. Start at the back and scrape forward
   When you clean your tongue, start at the back and scrape forward Start as far back as you can without gagging. Pro tip: Breathe out while cleaning the back of the tongue to help prevent gagging.
4. Rinse between each swipe
   Clean your tool thoroughly after each pass to remove debris.
5. Gargle for extra freshness
   Rinse your mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash – like Dentyl or GUM.- to wash away any remaining particles.
6. Clean before or after brushing?
   That’s up to you! Some people prefer cleaning their tongue after brushing and flossing, while others like to do it before. Cleaning your tongue at night can help to reduce morning breath.
7. For extra freshness, brush your tongue
   Use a small amount of toothpaste and gently brush your tongue before cleaning it.

Why Cleaning Your Tongue Matters

The back of the tongue is one of the most common sources of bad breath. It’s a place where the bacteria that cause bad breath can thrive, feeding on food particles, post-nasal drip and dead cells.

Cleaning your tongue removes debris and odour-causing bacteria, helping you maintain fresh breath and a healthy mouth.

Recommended:
The Sunstar GUM Tongue Cleaner has two edges for maximum effectiveness making it easy to clean your tongue effectively every day: soft bristles to gently brush the tongue and a serrated edge to scrape it clean.

[Disclaimer]
The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as medical advice or used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, oral hygienist, or another healthcare provider regarding your oral health or other medical conditions. For authoritative guidance on dental health in South Africa, you can also refer to the South African Dental Association (SADA). Reliance on information provided on this website is solely at your own risk.